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Harvard Art Museums Happenings for May 2023

Arts and Entertainment

May 5, 2023

From: Harvard Art Museums

With flowers in bloom and warm sunshine returning, the Harvard Art Museums celebrate the opening of American Watercolors, 1880–1990: Into the Light on Saturday, May 20. Discover how American watercolorists from Winslow Homer to Hannah Wilke captured the imaginative and experimental capacity of the medium to create luminous, diverse works over more than a century.

Plan your next visit to take in the works in A World Within Reach: Greek and Roman Art from the Loeb Collection and Artisanal Modernism before they close on Sunday, May 7.

May is packed with plenty to do—from a gallery talk about the special paintings in residence, to an exhibition tour of From the Andes to the Caribbean: American Art from the Spanish Empire. Or you may just find yourself taking in a DJ set in the courtyard before wandering the galleries. Spring into your next art adventure here at the Harvard Art Museums!

EXHIBITION

Into the Light

Opening on May 20, American Watercolors, 1880–1990: Into the Light presents more than a hundred compelling and rarely seen watercolors by both well-known and historically underrepresented American artists selected from the Harvard Art Museums’ deep and diverse holdings. Join us for a gallery talk later this month to learn more about watercolor techniques or attend a lecture with one of the artists featured in this stunning exhibition.

EXHIBITIONS

Before They’re Gone

Be sure to get your last look at both A World Within Reach: Greek and Roman Art from the Loeb Collection and Artisanal Modernism before they close on Sunday, May 7. This week, on Thursday, May 4, stop in for a gallery talk with curators from A World Within Reach and delve into small-scale ancient Greek and Roman art.

On Tuesday, May 23, come by to hear a conversation between curators and artist Richard Tuttle about American Watercolors, 1880–1990. Admission is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. You can register by clicking on the event on this form beginning Saturday, May 13, after 10am

FREE ADMISSION

International Museum Day

Explore the Harvard Art Museums for free on Thursday, May 18, in recognition of International Museum Day. What artwork will you fall in love with next?

What was it like for women who worked or studied at the museums in the 1930s? The 1970s? Archives staff will shed light on women's experiences in a seminar on Thursday, May 18. Free admission, but registration is required. Registration will open at 10am on Monday, May 8, 2023, at this link.

CREATURE FEATURE

Let’s Explore Sculpture!

Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the colors, shapes, and lines of animal sculptures in this family-friendly gallery talk on Saturday, May 13. Remember that youth under 18 can get into the Harvard Art Museums for free any time. Be sure to check out our other free admission opportunities as well!

In the latest Index article, curatorial fellow Jackson Davidow brings into focus the complex issues of identity, power, and belonging in American vernacular soldier photography. Interested in the history of collecting photography at Harvard? Davidow will offer an online talk on the topic on Tuesday, May 16.

AT NIGHT

May At Night

On Thursday, May 25, enjoy a free evening of art, fun, food, and more during Commencement week at Harvard! Explore the exhibitions From the Andes to the Caribbean: American Art from the Spanish Empire and American Watercolors, 1880–1990: Into the Light on Level 3, and grab a drink in the courtyard from Lamplight Brewing Co. with friends. We can’t wait to see you there!